“More specifically, it reduces one’s risk of developing chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes (type II), and high cholesterol.

“These chronic conditions have a negative impact on the brain – likely through compromised blood flow to the brain.” Liu-Ambrose is a researcher with the Aging, Mobility, and Cognitive Neuroscience Lab at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver.

She and a research team randomly assigned 38 older adults with mild VCI to one of two groups.

One group followed an aerobic training program consisting of three one-hour walking classes each week for six months, while the other group continued with their usual care.